About
The Healthy Schools Network ACT (the Network) is a collaboration of local Not-For-Profit organisations that actively promote health and wellbeing in ACT primary schools and secondary schools. The Network connects educational settings with community services.
A Bit of Background
The Network first came together in 2010 (then just 3 organisations - Cancer Council ACT, Heart Foundation and Diabetes ACT). Today the Network consists of some 30 plus local Not- For- Profit organisations. The Healthy Schools Network ACT maintains an “open door” policy which welcomes other local Not-For-Profit health-based organisations that share our common goals.
Why Another Network?
Simply, because there wasn't one. Network members are conscious that ACT schools are extremely busy places and that ACT teachers have limited time and capacity when it comes to accessing the magnitude of health and wellbeing programs, resources and teacher PD on offer in Canberra. It is predominantly for these reasons the Network was created.
The Healthy Schools Network ACT was established to:
- bring together local government and Not-For-Profit health organisations that currently engage with ACT school settings.
- allow for a greater understanding of the Health and Wellbeing programs, resources and support currently on offer to the ACT education system.
- provide a forum where networking and collaboration between Network members can occur.
- create a streamlined approach for sharing Health and Wellbeing programs, services and support to all ACT schools.
The Introduction of the Website in 2014
It was decided for the Network to progress and have an ongoing impact on ACT school settings a website was vital. Thanks to a small donation from Teacher Mutual Bank a website was developed in 2014. The website's aim was to create a “one stop shop’’ to assist ACT teachers with their efforts to acquire local and relevant information and support on a range of student health and wellbeing issues. Since its launch in 2014 the website has received over 70,000 pageviews, predominantly from ACT school teachers & staff.
Funding
The Network does not receive any operational funding. Local organisations support the Network simply because it allows a united platform to further continue conversation and engagement with ACT schools on important health and wellbeing issues.
What's New
In 2023 the Network joined forces with MindMap to further support schools in the mental health space. In the same year the Network received a small Tech Upgrade Grant from Community Services Directorate to update this website to the current Silverstripe CMS version 4.12.1
In the same year (2023) the Southside Initiative found an online home via the Healthy Schools Network ACT website. The Southside Initiative is a community driven response to the 2021 Australian Early Development Censes (AEDC).
Connect With Network
You can connect with the Network via Twitter or via email.
Please follow us on Twitter (X) @hsnACT
The Healthy Schools Network ACT acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we live, learn, work & play and we pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
